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Chapter XXV.

THE DEPARTURE OF FRIENDS AND THE FOURTH OCEAN VOYAGE.

I

"This world is but our trancient home,
Pilgrims here from a distant shore,

The earth is but a camping ground,

While we our minds with knowledge store."

MUST mention here, two sad incidents. My

dear friend and former Pastor, Rev. J. A. Churchill, who was pastor of the Middletown, Connecticut Methodist church, was in poor health and had to undergo a serious operation and from this he died on March 23rd, 1914. A day or two later, I attended his funeral, and looked upon his dear face for the last time in this world. His remains were laid away near his last charge, where he had died. His wife and several children were left to mourn his departure.

On my return home, I learned of the death of my oldest brother, Capt. George B. Handshaw, whom my readers will remember. His death occurred at Rockland, Maine, where his home was. The funeral was to be the next day, at his home, so I went to New York and there took passage on a steamer for Boston, where I arrived the next morning. From Boston I took a train to Rockland, where I arrived too late for the funeral, but not too late to look

again upon the face of my dear brother. My two sisters, Annie and Sadie, had arrived in time for the funeral, so did not have to bear the disappointment I did. My brother had spent many years in Rockland, Maine, and was spoken very highly of. My sisters and I returned home the following day. George had left a wife, but no children.

Arrangements had been completed for our trip abroad, and on June 29 we bid our friends goodbye and took the train for New York City. It was about 1:30 p. m. when we all left my office at 18 John Street, N. Y., for Hoboken, N. J., where the big ship "Rotterdam" was lying, anchored at her wharf. She was the largest ship belonging to the Holland American Line, and we had tickets for our passage to Rotterdam on her. We found that our baggage, which had been sent before, had been safely delivered. The stateroom to which we were assigned was very handy, being right near our dining room. There was a large number of passengers on board, and also a large number of friends on the wharf, waiting to see the ship set sail. It was nearly I a. m. when we finally did set sail. Many goodbyes were said, and many handkerchiefs were waved. It was nearly 1:30 a. m. when we retired. June 30, It was late when we arose this morning and out of sight of land. It was a fine day, but Carrie was sick, and not able to be at the breakfast table. Herbert was sick too, but only for a short time. Will and I were O. K. Our bill of fare was very good. A fine dining room, seating

nearly 400. The tables were decorated with many bouquets of flowers. We became acquainted with several Catholic Priests who seemed very nice and were sociable. One was from South Norwalk, Connecticut. There was music and singing on the deck, at night. It was about 10 p. m. when we retired.

July 1, A nice day, and up about 7. Carrie still sick, and unable to be at breakfast or any of the meals during the day. Games played on the deck and a musical concert at night. There were about 750 cabin passengers, and many steerage passengers. We have made about 400 miles.

July 2, It stormed some during the day, and the ocean is rougher, and there are still a number sick. Carrie is some better. The ship has made 414 miles today. Singing, music, etc. There were many children on the ship, and good cheer seemed to be the order.

July 3, Up, but not feeling very well, though not seasick, of course. Carrie better, boys well. Stormed all night, and still cloudy. Saw two ships during the day. We received the news by wireless. Went to the baggage room in the hold, and found our large trunk O. K.

July 4, Independence Day. The glorious old 4th. of July on the ocean. Was up bright and early. A beautiful day. Saw several boats. An elaborate programme was arranged for the celebration, such as American patriotic songs by the band, games consisting of races, and various contests, in

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A Deck Group, showing the Handshaw Family, and a Doctor. From a photo 1914.

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